Overview

• In a late-Sunday submission, prosecutors said they may move to disqualify Patrick Fitzgerald due to a potential conflict stemming from his alleged role in 2017 media disclosures, citing the DOJ inspector general’s report.
• The government requested expedited approval of a third‑party filter protocol to review seized, potentially privileged communications that include exchanges with several attorneys, one apparently Fitzgerald.
• Prosecutors wrote that public information indicates Comey used his current counsel to improperly disclose classified information, a contention the defense called “provably false” in a Monday filing.
• Judge Michael Nachmanoff has not ruled on the request, and prosecutors argue the filter review should occur before any litigation over a potential conflict or disqualification.
• Comey was indicted in September on false‑statement and obstruction counts linked to his 2020 Senate testimony, has pleaded not guilty, and his team is preparing motions to challenge U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment and seek dismissal.